In breaking news, on December 20, 2024, amid strong opposition from President-elect Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk, the temporary funding bill in the United States Congress stalled. This poses an “impossible task” for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, as he strives to present a “viable” new funding bill in less than 48 hours to prevent a government shutdown by the end of Friday, December 20.
Currently, Speaker Johnson is collaborating with the Trump team to draft a new federal funding contingency plan, including disaster relief aid, a two-year delay in the debt ceiling debate, and a one-year extension of the agricultural law. However, it remains unclear whether the Democratic Party in Congress will support this new proposal.
Multiple media outlets closely connected to Capitol Hill believe that Johnson’s options are limited, especially with the deadline looming and no clear way out, thus posing a risk of a government shutdown.
The “Continuity Resolution” (CR) temporary funding bill proposed by Speaker Johnson and congressional leadership on December 17 spans 1,547 pages, the result of weeks of negotiation and additional provisions added by Johnson and Democrats. This bill would provide funding for federal government expenditures until March 14 next year.
Prior to Trump and Musk’s intervention and opposition, this bill was likely to pass both chambers of Congress.
On December 18, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance jointly issued a statement opposing the CR funding bill, citing “sweetheart deals for government reviewers” among its provisions.
Musk posted on X platform, saying, “Any House or Senate member who supports this outrageous spending bill should be voted out within two years!”
Besides providing operational funding for the federal government until March 14, the bill includes over $100 billion in disaster relief aid to help Americans affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, as well as $10 billion in economic relief for farmers.
Additionally, the bill features funding provisions for some healthcare reform measures and a clause aimed at revitalizing the RFK Stadium and its surrounding campus in Washington, D.C.; it also proposes a salary increase for congressional members.
Members of the House Freedom Caucus expressed surprise at the last-minute addition of unrelated policy riders to the bill during negotiations.
In an interview with Fox News Digital on the morning of December 19, Trump urged Johnson to remove all “traps” set by the Democrats in the funding bill.
“If Speaker Johnson takes decisive, strong action to rid the bill of all the traps set by the Democrats — traps that will economically and otherwise ruin our country — he will easily secure his position as Speaker,” Trump said.
Johnson has affirmed his full support for the incoming Trump administration.
Vance met with Johnson on the evening of December 18, engaging in an hour-long discussion on viable funding solutions. Following the meeting, Vance described their conversation as “productive” and expressed belief in their ability to “address some issues here” and continue “working toward a resolution.”
It is reported that Johnson had been discussing introducing a “clean” bill as Plan B, solely providing funding for government operations until March 14 with no disaster relief, agricultural aid extensions, or other accompanying provisions before Trump publicly opposed the CR temporary funding bill on December 18.
However, some Republicans are strongly advocating for disaster relief for affected communities. For instance, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has stated he will not support a comprehensive plan that excludes disaster relief aid. Some Democrats may also not support such a bill, demanding at least some funding to help those affected by natural disasters.
However, other Democrats have indicated they may back a new temporary funding plan to keep the government open, with specific decisions contingent upon the details of the proposal.
Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) told The Hill, “Democrats will vote to keep the government open, and if that means a ‘clean’ continuing resolution, I think we would do that.”
The situation may get more complicated as Trump and Vance express a desire to incorporate the debt ceiling into the discussion on the new temporary funding bill. Yet, it remains uncertain if there will be enough time for negotiations on the new debt ceiling agreement before December 20.
Typically, raising the debt ceiling comes with spending limits, requiring weeks or longer for negotiations. Congressional members have less than two days until the government shutdown deadline.
As the countdown to a government shutdown draws closer, House Democrats have not shown signs of aiding their Republican colleagues.
House Minority Leader, Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, took to social media on the morning of the 19th to vow to thwart Republican efforts to raise the debt ceiling.
Meanwhile, Republicans are putting forth a new contingency plan—funding the government, which includes disaster relief aid and raising the debt ceiling.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader, Republican John Thune, expressed in a press conference on the morning of the 19th that he understands Vice President-elect Vance and Speaker Johnson are “working to resolve the issue,” with “action taking place in the House.”
Thune added that he plans to have discussions with Speaker Johnson and is hopeful that progress can be made. When asked about Trump’s proposal to include raising the debt ceiling in the temporary funding plan, Thune reiterated that “they are working to solve the issue in the House.”
Current Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, cautioned Speaker Johnson that the only way for legislation to pass both chambers is through bipartisan cooperation.
Sixty votes are required in the Senate to pass funding legislation to keep the government operational. Schumer stated on the night of the 18th that he will wait for the House’s actions on the CR temporary funding bill before taking further steps.